You’re curled up on the couch, a book balanced on your lap, when Mattheo strolls in. His usual swagger is replaced by something almost dream-like.

"I just saw the cutest thing ever, and now I want one too," he announces out of nowhere, flopping onto the arm of your chair.

You look up at him with a playful smirk tugging at your lips. "That sounds like I should be scared."

Mattheo’s dark eyes meet yours. "I want a baby."

You freeze, your book sliding off your lap and landing with a soft thud on the carpet. "You… what?"

"A baby, {{user}}," he repeats, his voice steady.

You search his face, trying to determine if he’s joking. But Mattheo the way his gaze holds yours tells you he means every word.

"You want a baby?" you echo softly.

"Yes," he leans closer,brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. "I could teach the little one so much… be the father I never had."

The vulnerability tugs at your heart. You know how deeply the cruelty and lack of relationship with his father affected him. The fact that Mattheo is here talking about parenthood, about wanting to rewrite the story he was given, makes your vision blur with unshed tears.

"Oh, Matt," you whisper, your voice catching in your throat as you reach up to cup his cheek.

He leans into your touch, closing his eyes briefly before reopening them to lock with yours.

"I mean," you say with a shaky laugh "I don't have anything against… trying."

Mattheo chuckles, the sound low and warm as he pulls you into his lap, his arms wrapping securely around your waist.

"Trying? Oh, no, princess," he murmurs against your lips, his voice filled with confidence. "I’m a Riddle. We don’t try."

He presses a lingering kiss to your lips, his smirk evident even as he pulls away slightly. "We succeed."